Friday, Oct. 10, 2008

A Talk About Breast Cancer Awareness

Scott McDearmont, M.D.

Guest Columnist

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it is always a good time to be sure health screenings are current.

In the scope of my work as a breast surgeon, one of the most important health screenings physicians offer is a mammogram. I have heard almost every reason why women delay getting a mammogram.

One of the most common excuses is fear that a mammogram may be abnormal.

Early detection is the key to the cure of breast cancer and an abnormal mammogram allows detection of breast cancer at a much earlier stage. Only a small percentage of patients with abnormal mammograms end up with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Some abnormalities are followed, some require further imaging, and some will require a biopsy. This biopsy is usually performed with image-guided, non-invasive methods.

Another often mentioned excuse is that there is no family history of breast cancer.

A family history – along with a previous history of breast cancer – and a previous history of an abnormal breast biopsy, are some risk factors for the developing breast cancer. Certainly, a plan for screening can change based on family history, but lack of a family history does not protect women from developing breast cancer. The strongest risk for developing breast cancer is advancing age. One in nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

The most common reason given by patients to avoid a mammogram is the physical discomfort some people may have related to the procedure. Many women are not only uncomfortable during the procedure, but also for days afterwards.I can only say that this temporary discomfort is minimal compared to the treatments for advanced breast cancer. New techniques with mammopads and a good mammographer will be able to minimize discomfort.

I encourage family and friends to always be supportive of the women in their lives when it comes to personal health issues.

Working together with a health care provider gives women – and men – and their family the best chance to detect breast cancer early and win the fight.

Dr. Scott McDearmont, Highland Village, is in surgical practice at Medical Center of Lewisville and Baylor Surgicare in Lewisville. His area of clinical interest includes comprehensive breast care.